Local Events & Celebrations Near Citrus Hills

Festival fun for the whole family

There’s a reason to celebrate every season in Citrus County and the locals tend not to miss an opportunity. As a resident you’ll enjoy our local history, music, food, art festivals and more!

Florida Manatee Festival: This two-day event held every January celebrates Citrus County’s most popular residents. Stroll through the fine arts and craft fairs, take a boat tour, sip a refreshing drink in the beer garden and enjoy entertainment for the whole family.

Great American Cooter Festival: What’s a cooter? It’s a freshwater turtle found across the South and the mascot for this festival celebrating Southern culture. Held each October, the festival features concerts, races, children’s activities and more.

Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival: Each November historic Old Homosassa welcomes visitors to view its juried art shows, shop its holiday craft fair and taste some of the best seafood in the South.

Floral City Heritage Days: Get a taste of Florida history at this annual festival held each December. Floral City was once one of Florida’s largest communities and has a wealth of history to share. Demonstrations and historic home tours are just some of the activities you’ll enjoy at this festival.

Florida Elvis Festival: In 1961, Elvis Presley visited Inverness to film a courthouse scene for the movie, “Follow That Dream.” More than 50 years later, a group of locals decided to commemorate the King’s visit with a festival. Held in April, it’s not just a weekend filled with bedazzled suits and pompadours. There are also concerts, a road race, an original play about Elvis’ visit and guided tours that bring the event to life!

Scallop Season: From July until mid to late-September each year, the state opens the Gulf Coast waters to harvesting bay scallops. Crystal River and Homosassa are two of the most popular spots to dive for these delicious shellfish. Grab a bucket, your snorkel and mask and try your luck searching for our famous scallops on the ocean floor.

Stone Crab Season: Stone crab is like Florida’s version of the Maine lobster. These sweet, tender claws can only be harvested from October to mid-May, making them a highly sought after delicacy. If you’ve never had a stone crab claw, make sure to try one with butter or the local mustard sauce.